This week, I am co-authoring this blog post with my friend Allyson with AllyFitness. So enjoy the creative collision as the world of simple living meets the world of fitness!
How many excuses can you come up with to avoid working out? Does not having enough time find itself at the top of that list? Today’s post gets you one step closer to having that time to get fit and healthy. It may seem silly to think about what you need in your gym bag, but having it packed properly and ready to go with you is important in making that workout experience positive and can save you time getting out of the house.
First things first – the bag. Make sure you have a gym bag that works the way you need it to. The best bag will have a separate compartment for shoes and sweaty clothes. If yours doesn’t, keep a plastic bag for those items on hand.
Here is a list of what we recommend you pack in your bag:
A pre-workout snack – like a banana, apple, string cheese, or small yogurt—is good to have on hand. Energy bars work, but real food is always better. Lara Bars or Luna Bars are good pre-workout snacks as well.
You’ll need a water bottle to stay hydrated. BPA-free or stainless steel are the safest for you.
Pack a towel for wiping the sweat off of you if your gym does not provide them.
MP3 player or Ipod – You need motivating music. Allyson doesn’t recommend reading while doing your cardio. It keeps you from getting to the intensity needed. If you like to catch up on reading when at the gym, get your books in mp3 format.
Personal hygiene items – Spa sandals for the shower, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, face lotion (Philosophy makes a three in one – shampoo, conditioner and body wash that rocks) and deodorant for sure. Don’t forget the toothbrush, lip balm, and hand sanitizer. To keep all of those things from rolling around in your bag, make sure to keep them contained in an appropriate toiletry kit like these.
Also recommended is having a dry pair of socks, “post workout” shoes that are cool and comfortable, and fresh underwear in case you don’t have time for a shower.
Finally, you should never go to the gym without a plan. Allyson recommends the BodyMinder exercise journal. It helps you set short and long term goals and plan workouts accordingly.
AllyFitness provides personal training solutions for real people. AllyFitness offers:
- Training at your convenience and around your schedule, whether you are just getting started, or need to “kick it up a notch”.
- Tools and flexibility you need to reach your goals.
- Programs tailored for you designed to boost energy, enjoy a more active lifestyle, reduce stress, increase daily activity, and make better food choices.
To learn more about AllyFitness, you can visit her website or email her for a consultation. She can also be reached at 615-491-1615.
And as always, if you are interested in creating systems that assist you in finding more time in your day, check out our professional organizing page for more information.
